We look at the big talking points ahead of another key round of top-flight fixtures
Friday 26 December 2014 15:40, UK
With another huge round of Premier League contests ahead of us, we ponder 10 questions that will be answered by the end of Boxing Day...
Can West Ham underline their top-four credentials by getting a result at Chelsea?
West Ham are currently riding high in the Premier League, with Sam Allardyce's side fourth in the top-flight standings at Christmas for the first time since 1985.
However, if they are to show the watching public that they are worth their surprise position in the Champions League places, then they will need to end a dreadful recent run at Chelsea on Boxing Day.
The Hammers last won in the league at Stamford Bridge in September 2002, losing six of their following eight fixtures in west London, scoring only three goals in the process.
Will Crystal Palace get back to winning ways against Southampton to boost their survival hopes?
Struggling Crystal Palace have been playing well of late, but have been unable to translate those good displays into Premier League victories.
In fact, Neil Warnock’s men have now gone five league games without a win since they caused a shock by beating Liverpool 3-1 at Selhurst Park back on November 23.
Their supporters would surely accept a poor performance against Southampton at home on Boxing Day, as long as it brings them all three points - although they will need to beat the Saints for the first time in Premier League history in order to achieve that.
Are Everton able to quell Martinez's growing critics by sweeping aside Stoke?
In the past few weeks, more than a few murmurs have been heard around Merseyside and beyond questioning Everton head coach Roberto Martinez, given the stop-start nature to his side's season so far.
The Toffees currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League standings as we approach the halfway point of the campaign. However, Martinez's side are now just six points off the drop zone after their limp 3-0 loss at Southampton on Saturday.
All of which means the popular Spaniard could desperately do with a confidence-boosting display from his players when they take on mid-table Stoke City at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, in order to dampen down the growing unrest surrounding his tenure at the club.
Can Rodgers break his Christmas duck?
Since taking charge at Anfield, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has seen his side suffer a Christmas hangover on Boxing Day on both occasions.
The Reds took the lead against Manchester City 12 months ago through Philippe Coutinho, but eventually lost 2-1 as Vincent Kompany and Alvaro Negredo turned things around for the eventual champions.
Two years ago, Rodgers' side again lost after going in front as Steven Gerrard's second-minute penalty was answered without reply - a Jonathan Walters double and a Kenwyne Jones strike sealing a 3-1 win for Stoke.
Liverpool can make it third time lucky at Turf Moor this year, but Sean Dyche's Burnley have been steadily improving and have lost just two of their last seven. This one is by no means a foregone conclusion.
Will Leicester give Pearson a long-overdue present?
When Leicester City produced that stunning comeback against Manchester United in September, many thought the newly-promoted side would go on to bigger and better things.
Sadly for Nigel Pearson, though, it hasn't worked out that way, with the Foxes failing to win in 12 Premier League matches since, picking up just two points in the process and leaving them in dire trouble at the foot of the table.
They have been given a home fixture for Boxing Day, but against a Tottenham Hotspur side coming off the back of a superb week, with 2-1 Premier League wins over Swansea City and Burnley either side of a 4-0 demolition of Newcastle United to seal their place in the last four of the Capital One Cup.
Where will Rooney feature for Manchester United?
Louis van Gaal's United side made it seven unbeaten with their 1-1 draw at Aston Villa last time out, but a big talking point from that match was the position of Wayne Rooney.
With Radamel Falcao returning to the line-up alongside Robin van Persie, Rooney was deployed further back by his manager and could see himself in for another run in midfield at home to Newcastle on Friday, after a solid display at Villa Park where the Colombian netted the equaliser.
The England captain has been used in central midfield on occasions before, but it remains to be seen if Van Gaal considers this a long-term option. If so, this could have wider connotations in terms of Roy Hodgson's vision for the England team.
Can Lescott come back to haunt Manchester City?
With Chelsea playing West Ham at lunchtime on Boxing Day, Manchester City may be playing catch-up by the time their afternoon kick-off comes around, but they will have to be fully focused on West Bromwich Albion if they wish to close the gap at the top.
In particular, they will need to keep a close eye on a former player at The Hawthorns, with Joleon Lescott enjoying some recent success against his old club.
The former City defender has scored in two of his last three Premier League matches against them, and will be desperate for a first goal since leaving the Etihad last summer.
Will Redknapp continue his impressive record against Arsenal?
It’s Boxing Day and Arsenal are playing at home, so what could go wrong? The north Londoners have won their last seven home fixtures on that date, but Arsene Wenger will be wary of Harry Redknapp in the opposition dugout.
Queens Park Rangers may have not picked up a single point on the road in the Premier League this season, but Redknapp has a decent record against Arsenal, losing just five of his last 18 Premier League games when facing Wenger's men.
And the former Tottenham boss will be hoping he can be a thorn in the Gunners side once again, with QPR opening their points account on their travels at the Emirates on Friday.
Who will win the battle of the in-form hit men in South Wales?
There'll be plenty of clubs keeping a close eye on the availability of Wilfried Bony in January and Aston Villa's defenders will get a first-hand view of what the Ivory Coast international can do on Boxing Day.
The Swansea frontman remains the Premier League's top goalscorer in 2014 with 20 strikes, two ahead of Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who is unlikely to play again this calendar year.
However, while Villa will have to pay particular attention to Bony, the Swans will also have their work cut out dealing with Christian Benteke. The Belgium international has scored on both his appearances against the Welsh club in the Premier League and will be looking to make it a hat-trick at the Liberty Stadium.
Whoever comes out on top in this particular head-to-head battle of the strikers could win the game, but which one will it be?
Can Hull boss Bruce get one over on his former club?
Steve Bruce has admitted his time managing Sunderland was "a mistake" as he always had an uphill battle trying to win over the Black Cats fans having being born in Newcastle. He was sacked in 2011 after a poor start to the season, but has since rebuilt his career at Hull City.
And how Bruce would love to return to the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day and get one over on his former employers at a time when the Tigers, who are currently struggling down in 19th place in the Premier League, are in desperate need of a win.
Watch Chelsea v West Ham live on Friday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD. Plus, you can follow all the goals as they go in throughout Boxing Day on Sky Sports News HQ or via our interactive blog.
